Congratulatory Remarks by H.E. Cho Hyun, The 24th Korea-India Dialogue, December 18, 2025

Ms. Bagchi)Ananta Centre CEO),

President 송기도(KF), President 박태호(SFIA),

Chairman 윤영관(Asan Institute for Policy Studies),

Ambassador Das,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Namaskar.

It is a great pleasure to join the 24th Korea-India Strategic Dialogue.

I commend the organizers for sustaining this forum for over two decades and for convening discussions that continue to be timely and substantive.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We gather at a moment of profound transition in the world.

The outbreak of the Ukraine War in 2022 compelled all of us to ask fundamental questions: Is this the erosion of the post-Cold War period? Or are we, in fact, entering a post-post-Cold-War era? Conflicts persist, trade tensions intensify, and uncertainty increasingly shapes the globe.

Therefore, in my final days as Ambassador to the United Nations back in 2022, I once remarked at the dinner in this way."If the world is an airplane, the captain would be announcing: 'we are experiencing turbulence, so fasten your seatbelt'. "

In this era of turbulence and strategic competition, India continues to emerge as an indispensable global actor, exercising influential agenda-setting power while shaping regional stability and global supply chains. Therefore, India's strategic value has been growing.

Korea, too, is no longer just a passive actor to geopolitical challenges, even with big neighbors and brothers in the North.

It is in this context that Korea agreed to adopt nuclear-powered submarines based on the U.S.' support. Against this strategic backdrop, cooperation between Korea and India is not simply desirable - it is essential.

President Lee Jae Myung and Prime Minister Modi ji already met twice within a six-month' time. I had the privilege of attending the meeting, and I witnessed that they are two exceptional leaders who share strong chemistry. Actually, President Lee will visit India sometime next year.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

During my days in Delhi as Korean Ambassador, I came to fully appreciate that our two countries are indispensable partners.

First, Korea and India can spearhead forward-looking economic collaboration.

Korea and India bring highly complementary strengths; our manufacturing base and technologies align with India's expanding market, skilled workforce, and rapid digitalization. Korea is committed to contributing not only to the "Make in India," but also to "Viksit Bharat (빅싯 바라트) 2047". Through our continued expansion of trade and investment, it can be realized.

Looking ahead, science, technology, and innovation will shape the next phase of our economic cooperation.

Next, our shared democratic values and vibrant people-to-people exchanges further deepen our bond.

India is the world's largest democracy, drawing its strength from diversity, scale, and the active participation of its people. Meanwhile, Korea is among the world's most resilient democracies, as demonstrated by its recent experience of overcoming a turbulent self-made coup d'etat attempt through peaceful demonstrations of the people.

We call it "Revolution of the Light", because the demonstrators sang and carried their cheering sticks at nights.

Beyond our shared democratic aspirations, culture creates enduring connections between the two societies.

During my time in India, I was humbled by India's diversity of culture and depth of thinking. I vividly recall Prime Minister Modi ji's remarks on Republic Day in 2016. He said: "Diversity is India's destiny and unity is its mantra." At a reception afterwards, I said to him: "Homogeneity is Korea's strength and diversity is its aspiration."

For decades, Indian culture - yoga, cuisine, and cinema - has resonated strongly with the Korean public. At the same time, Korean culture, particularly K-Pop, is rapidly gaining popularity among Indian youth.

Let us therefore explore creative avenues for collaboration, including joint film production.

Imagine how wonderful it would be if Bollywood meets K-Pop!

Third, security and defense have emerged as a core pillar of our partnership, grounded in deepening strategic trust.

While I do not claim any personal credit, I remember taking part in the signing ceremony for India's first procurement contract of K-9 howitzers.

I was particularly pleased to learn about the subsequent agreement on a second batch of K-9 Vajra howitzers - featuring joint production in Gujarat and technology transfer - which speaks to the maturity of our defense cooperation. The K-defense industry is ready to deliver world-class systems at scale, on schedule, and in true partnership with India.

In October, Korea and India also conducted their first-ever bilateral joint naval exercise. Drawing on this foundation of trust, we can reinforce stability in our shared strategic environment.

I would also like to note that Korea remains firmly committed to achieving permanent peace and the denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. We seek and value India's steadfast support for these efforts.

Distinguished guests,

Some years ago, Dr. Jaishankar, my longtime friend and colleague, introduced me to his book "The India Way." This inspired me to write my own book, drawing on the observations on India.

The book was shaped by my time in India as an ambassador, and by my respect for the country's complexity, resilience, and ambition. Throughout my writing, I benefited from the insights of many Indian friends. But whenever I raised somewhat complex and intriguing questions to them, their answer was simple: "Do not try to analyze India; just follow your heart. India is a subcontinent!"

This book was published in India in English as well. I tried to bring some of the copies, but I forgot them.

I believe this Dialogue offers more than an exchange of views.

It is an opportunity to ensure that our partnership continues to evolve in ways that are practical, forward-looking, and consequential.

Were it not for the demanding schedule of a Foreign Minister, I would have gladly spent both days with you. I wish you productive and thoughtful deliberations today and tomorrow, and I thank you once again for inviting me.

I hope you enjoy the rest of the program and lunch. Thank you.